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Louisiana Purchase
Through inherent powers, federal government acquired Florida, Texas, Oregon, Alaska, Hawaii, and other lands from France. No clause in the Constitution stated that the government couldn't obtain additional land. -
Mcculloch v. Maryland
The Maryland government, wanting to regulate its own banks, imposed taxes on Congress' Second Bank. Refusing to pay, cashier James Mcculloch was taken to court. It was decided by Chief Justice John Marshall that if it aided the government Congress had the authority to set up a bank as log as it was "necessary and proper". Questions arose about the definition of the word "necessary". -
Gibbons v. Ogden
Considering the commerce clause, arguments about whether the clause was considered within a state, only between each states, and what the true definition of "commerce" was. Thomas Gibbons, who was licensed to operate on NY waters, was sued by the state for doing so. Chief Justice Marshall ruled by expanding the definition of commerce allowing the national government to exercise increasing authority over all areas of economic affairs. -
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The Civil War
This was a war between the northern and southern states over the issues of slavery. The end of the war resulted in an increase in the national governments political power. The Civil War Amendments were passed, abolishing slavery and giving African Americans the right to vote. -
Port Authority of New York/New Jersey established
This was established by an "interstate compact". It promoted collaboration and provided resources for innovation. Such compacts allowed states to work together to address challenges that cross state boundaries. -
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The Great Depression
Economic setback where nearly 1,500 banks failed, 32,000 businesses closed down, and almost one-fourth of the labor force was unemployed. This lead to Roosevelts "New Deal" program that introduced new laws regulating economic activity. -
United States v. Lopez
Supreme Court held that Congress exceeded its authority under the commerce clause when it passed the Gun-Free School Zones Act in 1990. This act banned possession of guns within 1,000 feet of schools. The Court stated that is was unconstitutional because it regulated an area that had nothing to do with commerce. -
Defense of Marriage Act ruled unconstitutional
Under the Full Faith and Credit Clause an issue remained. The Defense of Marriage Act barred same-sex married couples from being considered "spouses" for purposes of federal laws and benefits. The clause ensured that rights established under deeds, wills, and contracts will be honored by other states.
